Lauren Zalaznick Leaving NBCUniversal

The writing had been on the wall since the February reorganization at NBCUniversal when the company merged the cable network portfolios of chairmen Bonnie Hammer and Lauren Zalaznick under Hammer. In the restructuring, Lauren Zalaznick took on a new role as EVP NBCUniversal, “focusing on innovation, digital, monetization and emerging technology across the company.” Steve Burke just announced Zalaznick’s exit from the company after a 12-year tenure. Like Hammer, Zalaznick was a rising star at NBC Universal, originally making her mark running Trio and then growing fledgeling Bravo into a formidable asset. After the Comcast merger, she added to her purview cable network Style, Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo and digital properties — including red-hot Fandango, which doubled its market share on her watch. (Telemundo has handed over to Joe Uva in February, while Hammer recently dropped the Style brand, transforming the network into Esquire.) While I hear Zalaznick was originally intrigued by her new role, she became itchy to return to an executive position where she runs a business vs. the more of a “suit” advisory post she was in. About three weeks ago, she approached NBCU CEO Steve Burke about transitioning out, and the plan was put into motion. Zalaznick is expected to return to the executive ranks, but maybe not at a traditional TV company. She has been interested in the junction between content and technology and has been advising and investing in several startups in that area. Read Burke’s memo — which also lays out the succession plan, with Cesar Conde taking on the bulk of Zalaznick’s reports — after the jump:

I am writing to let you know that Lauren Zalaznick will be leaving NBCUniversal after 12 successful years working in a variety of leadership roles here.

Those of you who know Lauren well know she is one of those rare executives that combine great creative instincts with a true business orientation. Her contributions to our company have been significant and far-reaching, from cable entertainment to Spanish-language broadcast, from digital initiatives to new marketing campaigns. Lauren also has been an important champion for many of our company-wide initiatives.

Moving forward, most of Lauren’s current group including Lori Conkling, Tony Cardinale, Nick Lehman and Lenore Moritz will report to Cesar Conde. Russell Hampton (Consumer Products) and Paul Yanover (Fandango) will report to Jeff Shell. John Shea and the Integrated Media group will report solely to Linda Yaccarino.

Lauren will remain at the company to transition her current portfolio, and then consult with NBCUniversal on digital media content and technology marketplace trends.

I want to thank Lauren for her years of service. Her drive to innovate, her energy and her intelligence have made our company a better place. She has been an important member of our team and we wish her well in the future.